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Image of public toilets just as vital to impress tourists Cleanliness, attractiveness of facilities important component for success of Visit Malaysia campaign.

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Malaysian Paper www.thesun.my RM1.00 PER COPY One-way street for parties exiting Barisan Nasional Such component members will not have option to be readmitted into coalition, says Zahid.

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SCAN ME No. 9004 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195)

Activist calls for holistic approach to curb youth violence Activist calls for holis Education reform, responsible digital citizenship and stronger parental involvement proposed.

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FLUTTERING FESTIVITIES ... A visitor admiring the butterfly-themed ‘A Magical Christmas Tale’ decorations at Berjaya Times Square in Kuala Lumpur. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

Parking plan jam Report on h page 3 While proposal to reduce bays for projects near LRT or MRT stations aligns with global best practices, implementation without strengthening public transport may worsen congestion and create new safety risks: Expert

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Major milestones achieved by Education Ministry BUKIT MERTAJAM: The Education Ministry has recorded several major achievements over the past three years in implementing education reforms, including the enforcement of compulsory secondary school education, reduction of workload of educators and the construction and rehabilitation of schools nationwide. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the implementation of these education reforms would be further strengthened, with the ministry focusing next year on preparing teachers for the rollout of the 2027 school curriculum. She said the curriculum would be implemented in stages, beginning at the preschool level in 2026, followed by Year One and Form One in 2027. “The ministry’s ongoing commitment to reducing the workload of teachers would enable educators to focus fully on teaching, including strengthening pedagogical mastery and effectively implementing reforms in the classroom.” She was speaking after the handover ceremony of the Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama Sheikh Tahir Jalaluddin project yesterday. Fadhlina said among the ministry’s most significant achievements was the approval of the Education (Amendment) Bill 2025 in Parliament, which made secondary school education compulsory up to Form Five. She said with the amendments, every Malaysian child is now legally protected to remain in the education system until the completion of secondary school, ensuring that there are no dropouts after Year Six. She added that the ministry also succeeded in recruiting 52,948 new teachers, achieving a filling rate of 98%, the highest in almost a decade, ensuring that nearly all classes nationwide are staffed with adequate teaching personnel. Fadhlina also said the ministry is simultaneously implementing 11 safe-school initiatives nationwide, including an allocation of RM5 million for the installation of closed-circuit television cameras, the appointment of 10,096 new teachers and counsellors as well as 600 assistant dormitory wardens. She said the national school calendar would resume its January start, beginning with the 2026 academic session, following four years of disrupted schedules due to the Covid pandemic. She added that the literacy and numeracy intervention programme had also shown positive results, with 398,496 students successfully mastering basic skills of reading, writing and arithmetic, an increase from 326,051 students prior to the implementation of the intervention. Fadhlina said in order to reduce the burden on teachers, the ministry is implementing task reforms that include the appointment of 562 assistant teachers, the placement of 600 assistant wardens under the Malaysia Short Term Employment programme, the provision of operational support in 281 secondary schools and improvements to the daily lesson plan. She said the construction and rehabilitation of educational infrastructure have shown strong progress, with 44 new schools built and 44 dilapidated schools completed this year. Fadhlina said efforts to expand early childhood education have also been strengthened through the ministry’s preschools, thereby increasing access to early education in urban, rural and remote areas. On initiatives to address school dropout rates in remote areas, she said the expansion of K9 and K11 schools had succeeded in achieving a zero dropout rate, with students remaining in school until they complete secondary education.

Training Management System abolished to reduce teacher workload BUKIT MERTAJAM: The Ministry of Education Malaysia Training Management System has been abolished to reduce the workload of teachers, said Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek. She said the decision was made following the ministry’s ongoing assessment of the workload of teachers as well as feedback from educators who felt that the system was affecting their focus on their core duties. including improvements to the student discipline system, to address workload issues. “Every step taken is part of the ministry’s ongoing commitment to reducing their workload,” Fadhlina said after attending the Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama Sheikh Tahir Jalaluddin school project handover ceremony yesterday. requirements, which disrupted their focus on teaching in the classroom. Fadhlina said the abolition of the system is intended to give teachers space to focus fully in the classroom, especially ahead of the implementation of the new curriculum and education development plan that would be introduced next year.

She also said the ministry would continue to consider measures to be taken to consistently reduce the workload of teachers. – Bernama

She said the Training Management System was often a topic of discussion among teachers who did not wish to be bound by its

She added that the ministry had implemented various interventions previously,

Ahmad Zahid with Indian Progressive Front president Datuk T. Loganathan at the general assembly yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC No coming back if you leave BN, says coalition chairman

all parties, particularly those forming the Sabah government, on candidate selection, Bernama reported. “As we are part of the Sabah government, it is not impossible for us to engage in discussions not only with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah but also other parties that previously contested in Lamag. “For the Kinabatangan parliamentary seat as well, we will hold discussions. If negotiations can be conducted with all parties, that would be a better approach, especially since there are still up to 24 months remaining in the parliamentary term.” Ahmad Zahid, who is also deputy prime minister, said he has yet to be asked by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to submit names to fill vacancies in the Cabinet. “The prime minister has not asked for any names yet. When the time comes, I will inform him.” Currently, several Cabinet positions are vacant – Economy minister, Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability minister, Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development minister as well as Investment, Trade and Industry minister. The Election Commission has announced that a special meeting would be held on Dec 16 to determine key dates for both by-elections.

o Zahid stresses importance of honouring Barisan Nasional’s seven-decade history of friendship and loyalty

Ű BY THE SUN TEAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Unity government. “Now, after three years of the Unity government, they complain about being sidelined and treated like stepchildren.” At the party’s 79th annual general meeting last month, MIC delegates said they would refer to president Tan Sri S.A. Vigneswaran and the central working committee on whether to remain in BN, which it had helped establish alongside Umno and MCA. Meanwhile, MCA approved a resolution to leave BN if any coalition party were to ally with DAP in the next general election. When asked if MIC had formally submitted any resolution to exit BN, Ahmad Zahid said he had received nothing official. “I have not seen any resolution or letter, and no decision has been made. However, if they cannot make a choice, we will decide for them.” Ahmad Zahid also addressed the upcoming by-elections for the Kinabatangan parliamentary and Lamag state seats following the death of incumbent Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin on Dec 5. He said BN would hold discussions with

PETALING JAYA: Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties have been warned that leaving the coalition is a one-way move, with no chance of returning. BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi emphasised that the coalition would not welcome back parties that choose to exit. “Do not regret leaving BN. Once the step is taken, there is no turning back. “Decisions should never be made in anger, frustration or under pressure. Politics is ever-changing, requiring patience and careful judgment,” he said at the Indian Progressive Front general assembly yesterday. Ahmad Zahid stressed the importance of honouring BN’s seven-decade history of friendship and loyalty, cautioning against abandoning it out of dissatisfaction or what he described as mabuk kuasa (obsession with power). He also criticised parties that had previously resisted cooperating with the

MONDAY | DEC 15, 2025 3 Plan not viable due to project delays PETALING JAYA: Persistent delays in public transport projects underline why reducing parking for residential developments near transit hubs may be premature, cautioned an expert. While the idea is sound in principle, Wan Md Hazlin Agyl Wan Hassan, CEO of transport think-tank MY Mobility Vision, warned that Malaysia has yet to achieve the level of rail reliability, first and last-mile connectivity, and enforcement needed to make the policy effective. “The proposal is directionally correct and reflects where cities around the world are heading. “Minimum parking requirements do inflate housing costs, sometimes unnecessarily, especially for developments close to rail stations.” He highlighted the LRT3 project to illustrate the importance of policy sequencing. The LRT3, originally slated for completion by the end of this year, has been delayed again due to software glitches, potentially pushing the timeline back to the second quarter of 2026. “The LRT3 project is not just another rail line – it is a structural corridor for the western Klang Valley. “Its delays stem from accumulated issues across multiple administrations, contractual restructuring, scope changes and complex systems integration.” Wan praised Prasarana’s decision not to rush final testing, noting that rail systems should never be opened to meet political deadlines if technical readiness is lacking. Yet, from a housing and planning perspective, the delays create uncertainty. “If parking is reduced today on the assumption that LRT3 will be fully operational soon, but the line takes longer to stabilise, residents are left without the promised alternative. “In that situation, people will understandably keep their cars and look for parking elsewhere,” he said. Reducing parking, he stressed, only works if residents are confident they can live without a car – a confidence that remains uneven across Malaysia. “Proximity to a station on paper does not always translate into convenient, safe or reliable daily mobility. “So while the idea is sound, it needs to be applied carefully, with clear conditions tied to the actual quality of public transport and station access on the ground.” He added that public transport upgrades must come first or at least move in parallel, because parking limits alone cannot change behaviour. “Parking reduction shapes behaviour, but behaviour only changes when people have a reliable alternative,” Wan said. Spillover parking remains a major concern, as many households maintain a “Plan B” car for emergencies, family responsibilities or travel to areas not served by public transport. “If parking supply is cut without reducing the underlying need for that car, spillover is almost inevitable,” he said. To make a car-lite lifestyle viable, Wan outlined prerequisites including reliable trains and buses, safe pedestrian access to stations, higher-frequency feeder buses, flexible demand-responsive transit, legal and financing reforms to decouple parking from housing and credible enforcement of on-street parking. “Reducing parking near transit stations is the right long-term direction and the minister is right to push the conversation forward. “But Malaysia has not yet reached the level of transit reliability and connectivity that allows parking reduction to lead the change. “When that happens, fewer parking spaces won’t feel like a sacrifice – they’ll feel unnecessary.” – By Harith Kamal

Reliable public transport needed for parking reforms

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s ambition to cut parking requirements for new residential developments near public transport hubs could backfire unless the nation first delivers a system that is genuinely reliable, convenient and affordable, warns a road safety researcher. While the initiative reflects global urban planning trends, Universiti Putra Malaysia Road Safety Research Centre head Assoc Prof Dr Law Teik Hwa cautioned that limiting parking without first strengthening public transport may worsen congestion and create new safety risks. “In principle, the proposal is strategically sound and aligns with global best practices in urban planning,” Law said. “It reflects the core principle of transit oriented development (TOD): if you build high-density housing directly adjacent to high-quality public transport, you should design it for people, not for cars.” Transport Minister Anthony Loke recently proposed that developers reduce the number of parking bays for projects near LRT or MRT stations, arguing that the current requirement of one or two spaces per unit drives up property prices and entrenches car dependency. Law said reducing mandatory parking spaces could lower construction costs, potentially making homes more affordable, while signalling a shift away from car-centric development. However, he stressed that success hinges on balancing incentives and restrictions. “This is a carrot-and-stick approach. The ‘carrot’ must be an exceptionally convenient, reliable and affordable public transport system.” Law warned that rolling out parking reductions where public transport connectivity remains weak could produce negative short-term outcomes including o Road safety researcher says reducing bays near LRT and MRT stations without efficient alternatives could worsen congestion and create new safety risks Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Law says reducing parking spaces could lower construction costs and make homes more affordable. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN.

pedestrian-friendly real-time tracking apps, priority lanes for buses and sufficient parking at transit hubs. “If these improvements were implemented, public transport would become a more attractive, convenient and practical alternative. “Personally, I would be much more willing to rely on it if it were easier, faster and stress-free compared with driving,” she added. Mohd Haqim Haizar, 27, another high-rise resident in Kuala Lumpur, echoed her concerns. “Even living next to an LRT station, I still need my car to get to work on time. “Reducing parking without improving public transport would only create headaches for everyone,” he said. Haqim added that while the demand responsive transit (DRT) system is a promising initiative in principle, its impact remains limited. “When it started, it worked well, but traffic congestion and a car-centric society have undermined it.” – By Harith Kamal pathways, new developments. “Residents with the means will still buy cars, leading to creative – and often illegal or disruptive – parking solutions.” Comparing Malaysia with Singapore and Japan, he highlighted the importance of sequencing. “Singapore and Japan did not just reduce parking – they invested in and prioritised public transport first, for decades. “Malaysia’s TOD efforts are promising, but we are playing catch-up. Feeder bus networks, service frequency, pedestrian connectivity and fare integration are not yet at the level needed to replicate those models.” Law urged the government to prioritise strengthening public transport before implementing widespread parking reductions, emphasising that the policy itself should not be abandoned. “The government must first prove that public transport is a viable and superior choice for daily life.”

increased congestion and unsafe conditions in surrounding neighbourhoods. “If implemented alone, the short-term effect will be negligible to negative. “Drivers will preserve their vehicles and park in the vicinity instead – in side streets, commercial areas or nearby villages.” This phenomenon, known as parking spillover, can worsen congestion and compromise safety, particularly in areas intended to be more walkable. “Residents will hunt for parking in the very areas where walkability and safety should be prioritised,” Law said, adding that dissatisfaction among residents would likely rise. According to him, TOD benefits only materialise when a critical mass of residents genuinely chooses not to drive, reducing total vehicle kilometres travelled. Limiting parking prematurely also risks failing to change commuter behaviour and undermining the appeal of

Residents raise concerns over connectivity gaps PETALING JAYA: Plans to slash car park units in new high-rise developments near LRT and MRT stations are raising alarm among residents, who say Malaysia’s public transport is still too unreliable for people to give up their cars. especially during peak periods,” she said. She also warned that reducing parking could worsen congestion within high-rise complexes where residents already own cars. “This may lead to double-parked vehicles, turning two-way roads into one-way streets. Such situations are not only inconvenient but also dangerous. “During emergencies, access for ambulances, fire engines, or other services could be severely restricted.”

Priyanka (not her real name), a resident of an apartment near a transit station, said the policy might work in areas with excellent connectivity, but for many, owning a car remains a necessity. “If the policy is implemented in areas that are well connected to public transport, it could be a positive move. “Reducing parking spaces may encourage residents to rely more on public transport. However, in locations where access is limited or inconvenient, it would create difficulties.” Priyanka, who drives to work daily, said the nearest station is about three kilometres from her home, with few practical options to reach her workplace. “Journeys that take only minutes by car can sometimes take hours by public transport,

Highlighting the shortcomings of Malaysia’s public transport system, Priyanka said: “Major hotspots such as Kuala Lumpur, Subang Jaya and Petaling Jaya should be prioritised but improvements are also needed nationwide to ensure wider connectivity.” She suggested measures to make residents more willing to depend on public transport including increased train and bus frequency, extended operating hours, better last-mile connectivity through bike-sharing or

MONDAY | DEC 15, 2025

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Govt ramps up engagement on Urban Renewal Act

RM1.1m boost for Kampung Seri Menanti

KUALA major infrastructure projects in Kampung Seri Menanti here have been completed under the Madani Adopted Village initiative led by the Public Service Department,, involving an allocation of RM1.1 million. Public Service (Operations) deputy director-general Datuk Mohd Shaiful Ibrahim said the projects reflect the department’s commitment as a central agency in supporting the government’s agenda while improving the well being and quality of life of rural communities. “Among the works carried out are the installation of solar-powered street lights, and the upgrading of the village library, community hall, resource centre and sepak takraw court. “This was done in collaboration with the Negeri Sembilan state development office and the Kuala Pilah district and land office,” he said after officiating the closing of the Madani Adopted Village and Adopted School programme here yesterday. In addition to infrastructure upgrades, he said several community-based activities were held, including the a dat menerang buapak (appointing a leader) and a dat berkodim (initiation into a clan) ceremonies, gotong-royong and village enhancement programmes, as well as the Mini Madani Seri Menanti Healthy carnival. Mohd Shaiful said Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Za’aba was also selected as the department’s Madani Adopted School, with an allocation of RM100,000 to create a more conducive learning environment. He said the upgrades included improvements to the examination hall and workshop, the provision of Google TV and smart boards for interactive digital learning, as well as spiritual and intellectual development programmes such as the Young Leadership Camp and the Madani Uniformed Units Camp. – Bernama PILAH: Eight allowing artisans and performers to engage directly with visitors. “This event brings together the Orang Asli and Orang Asal not as separate groups but as communities connected by shared heritage and culture,” said YKOA chairman Dr Andre Ratos, continuing the work of his late father, Datuk Antony Ratos, in advancing inclusion and social welfare for indigenous groups.

and implementing various initiatives aligned with the CHASE concept. “The diversity of events and activities organised in Labuan today is also anchored on this concept, making the city more attractive and vibrant.” Mohd Sukuran said urban planning should not be viewed as a technical exercise, but as a reflection of public aspirations, a platform for social inclusivity and a foundation for future prosperity. “We must collectively foster a planning culture that is more open, collaborative and responsive.” He added that as a unique federal territory, Labuan requires a progressive and people-centric approach to planning. Feedback, he said, gathered throughout the celebration will serve as important references in strengthening policies and development initiatives under the Labuan Structure Plan 2040 and the Draft Labuan Local Plan 2040. – Bernama

He said development projects such as the Labuan Waterfront Phase One, the demolition of Hotel Labuan and adaptive reuse of buildings are supporting urban regeneration to ensure Labuan remains a dynamic and sustainable city. “These initiatives are expected to create new investment opportunities, attract more tourists and enhance the city’s image, in line with the strategic projects identified as game changers under the Labuan Development Plan to stimulate its economy,” he said. Meanwhile, Labuan Corporation chief executive officer Mohd Sukuran Taib said the CHASE city concept – Clean, Healthy, Advanced, Safe and Eco-friendly – has become the core inspiration guiding urban planning and development in the federal territory. He said current planning efforts focus on enhancing the city’s image, improving landscape aesthetics, advancing smart city development

o Dialogue sessions seek public backing to fast-track law addressing ageing buildings and urban safety risks, says Town and Country Planning Dept

LABUAN: The Town and Country Planning Department (PLANMalaysia) has stepped up public engagement through dialogue sessions to explain and secure broad support for the expedited approval of the Urban Renewal Act (URA), which aims to promote equitable and sustainable urban development. Its director-general Datuk Dr Alias Rameli said the initiative is crucial to safeguarding residents’ safety, particularly those living in ageing buildings and dilapidated urban areas. “Urban renewal is not merely a development necessity, but a moral responsibility of the government to protect residents’ safety and ensure healthy, safe and liveable urban environments,” he said at the Labuan-level World Town Planning Day 2025 at the Labuan Sports Complex yesterday. He said during a dialogue session on Nov 30, it was stressed that urban renewal is an urgent necessity to protect public safety, especially for communities residing in old and unsafe structures. Alias emphasised the need for the involvement of all segments of society, including professionals, academics, residents’ associations, NGOs, local authorities and local communities, to ensure the URA is approved in a dignified and implementable manner. He said the theme of this year’s World Town Planning Day reflects a clear vision and firm commitment towards sustainable urban development, particularly in

strengthening urban resilience to address the challenges of urbanisation and climate change. “Cities in Malaysia, especially the Federal Territory of Labuan, must achieve a high level of readiness and resilience to ensure the long-term sustainability and well-being of their people,” he said. On Labuan’s development direction, Alias said the Labuan Structure Plan 2040 is highly significant in charting a new trajectory for the federal territory’s growth, in line with national urban planning policies.

PET PARADISE ... The four-day Oh My Pet! Exhibition at the Mid Valley shopping centre, which ended yesterday, drew crowds of visitors. The exhibition was a celebration of all things pet-related, offering a wide range of products and services. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

Preserving indigenous culture imperative, says activist

Ű BY THE SUN TEAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

as custodians of the environment and their traditional knowledge as a guide for sustainable living amid climate challenges. Lee also praised the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry for supporting cultural preservation, highlighting the need for sustained institutional backing. Organised by Yayasan Kesenian Orang Asli & Asal (YKOA), the three day festival featured music, dance, crafts, games and ethnic cuisine,

Asal 2025 festival from Dec 12-14 at Berjaya Times Square, Lee emphasised that indigenous languages, crafts, music, dances and values rooted in harmony with nature are among Malaysia’s most important treasures. “This heritage must not simply be displayed – it must be lived, respected and preserved for generations to come,” he said, noting the role of indigenous communities

communities whose traditions and knowledge predate modern Malaysia. “We are not here just to watch music and dance performances. This is about recognising the history, resilience and spirit of the Orang Asli and Orang Asal – communities that have been part of this land long before Malaysia as we know it existed.” Speaking at the Irama Asli &

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s indigenous heritage must be recognised and strengthened as a core pillar of the nation’s identity, history and environmental stewardship, social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said. He described the Orang Asli of Peninsular Malaysia and the Orang Asal of Sabah and Sarawak as

Longest art alley in Malaysia

SEREMBAN: Lorong Seni Seremban here made history after being recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records as the Longest Art Alley in the country. Seremban City Council mayor Datuk Masri Baharuddin said the 1km walkway, which was developed in 2019

day, including public holidays. The move aims to ensure visitor safety, preserve the quality and sustainability of the murals, create a more pedestrian and tourist-friendly environment, and support local arts, cultural and economic activities, he said. – Bernama

generations as well as tourists from within and outside the country,” he told reporters here on Saturday. Masri said Lorong Seni Seremban will be fully closed to vehicles every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from midnight to midnight the following

and involved more than 50 murals, most of which were produced by local artists depicting elements of local heritage, culture and identity. “The increase in the number of murals has made Lorong Seni Seremban fresher and more appealing to younger

and completed in 2024, has become one of Negeri Sembilan’s tourist attractions, reflecting the state’s continued commitment to strengthening arts and culture. He said the project was implemented at a cost of RM2.5 million

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DPM orders full probe into deadly crane collapse o Authorities told to work with technical agencies to determine cause of incident and resulting blaze at power plant

Four killed, two injured in separate road crashes PETALING JAYA: Four people were killed and two others injured in separate road crashes in Negeri Sembilan, Kelantan and Johor on Saturday. In Negeri Sembilan, two girls died while a third was seriously injured after the motorcycle they were riding skidded off the road at Jalan Taman Musytari in Batu Kikir near Seremban at about 5.55pm. Jempol police chief Supt Norhisham Mustapar said the rider, aged 13, and the middle pillion rider, aged 10, suffered severe head injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene. The rear pillion rider, also 13, sustained head injuries and fractures to both legs and is receiving treatment at Tuanku Ampuan Najihah Hospital in Kuala Pilah. Preliminary investigations found that the three female students were travelling from Taman Mawar to Taman Musytari when the rider lost control, causing the motorcycle to skid onto the right road shoulder before crashing into a tree. The bodies of the two victims were sent to the Jempol Hospital for autopsy. In a separate incident in Kelantan, a 19-year-old Universiti Teknologi Mara student was killed after being hit by a motorcycle at the Universiti Teknologi Mara Machang campus at about 6.30pm. Machang police chief Supt Ahmad Shafiki Hussin said initial findings indicate that the motorcycle was travelling from the main gate of the Universiti Teknologi Mara Machang branch towards the hostel area when the student suddenly crossed the road. The motorcyclist swerved to the left but was unable to avoid the collision. Meanwhile in Johor, an elderly man was killed in a three-vehicle crash at Km4.8 of Jalan Kota Tinggi–Kluang at about 6am. Kota Tinggi district police chief Supt Yusof Othman said the incident involved a motorcycle, a sedan and an SUV. – Bernama Fire razes 30 houses in Tawau TAWAU: Thirty semi-detached houses were destroyed in a fire at Lorong Jade 4 in Kampung Sri Aman, Jalan Apas here on Saturday. Tawau Fire and Rescue station chief Jemishin Ujin said the department received an emergency call at 11.23pm, prompting the deployment of 17 personnel to the scene, located about 7km away. The team arrived about 10 minutes later. “To ensure sufficient water supply throughout the operation, the fire brigade also utilised transport pumps and a water relay system from Fire Rescue Tender machinery, as well as a water tanker,” he said in a statement yesterday. Jemishin added that the operation, which was assisted by six personnel each from the Kunak Fire and Rescue station and the Kampung Titingan Community Fire Brigade, involved the use of multiple water jets from fire hydrants and open water sources from the sea. No casualties were reported, and firefighters managed to prevent the blaze from spreading further, saving about 300 houses. The operation concluded at 3.10am. – Bernama

three others. The victims were successfully extricated from the rubble at about 3pm, while the three injured male workers were taken to the Pontian Hospital for treatment. Meanwhile, Malakoff Corporation Berhad said it would conduct an internal investigation to determine the cause of the incident, which occurred at about 12.10pm. The company added that its emergency response team was immediately deployed to the site. “Following the incident, two contractors’ personnel have sadly passed away, and three contractors’ personnel sustained injuries and have been hospitalised,” the company said in a statement. Malakoff added that the affected area has been secured as a precautionary measure and that its investigation will begin once rescue operations are completed. “The safety and wellbeing of all personnel involved remains our highest priority,” it said, adding that operations at both the Tanjung Bin Power Plant and the Tanjung Bin Energy Power Plant are continuing as normal and are not affected by the incident. The company said it would provide further updates should there be any material developments.

KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof has ordered a comprehensive and transparent investigation into Saturday’s deadly crane collapse and fire at the Malakoff Power Plant along Jalan Tanjung Bin in Kukup, Pontian. In a statement, Fadillah urged authorities, including the Department of Occupational Safety and Health and police, to work closely with the Energy Commission and relevant technical agencies to establish the precise cause of the incident. He stressed that there must be no compromise on accountability, adding that appropriate action must be taken against any negligence, breaches of standard operating procedures or safety lapses. “I have instructed the plant management and all contractors involved to provide their full cooperation to investigators. They are also directed to ensure strict compliance with all safety procedures, equipment maintenance and risk management measures to prevent a similar tragedy,” he said. He added that the fatal stabbing of a female student inside a school in Bandar Utama in October, along with persistent cases of bullying and aggression in schools nationwide, underscored a deep-rooted crisis that could no longer be treated as isolated incidents. “This is more than a disciplinary problem. It is a breakdown of character and noble values, and a harmful digital influence,” he said in a statement yesterday. Lee explained that the first approach involved reforming the education system by integrating social and emotional learning into the core curriculum, citing Denmark as an example. He stressed that academic excellence alone was insufficient without emotional literacy and empathy. “Every student needs consistent, mandatory instruction on empathy, conflict resolution and emotional literacy to build resilience and respect,” he said. He said the second approach was the urgent need to move beyond basic information and communications technology education towards cultivating responsible digital citizenship among both children and parents. “This includes teaching them to evaluate content, understand the consequences of their digital actions and recognise online aggression,” he said, adding that unchecked exposure to harmful online content could normalise

Fadillah gave an assurance that the ministry would continue to closely monitor the case and would not hesitate to implement further measures, if necessary, to ensure the energy industry upholds the highest possible safety standards. He emphasised that worker safety and welfare remain paramount, adding that every life is invaluable, Bernama reported. He also conveyed his deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the two men who lost their lives, Muhammad Alfarid Ahmad, 19, and Muhammad Amaluddin Hisamudin, 22. “I pray that their families are granted strength and fortitude in facing this profound loss. I also pray for the full and swift recovery of the injured victims,” he added. Earlier, Pontian Baru Fire and Rescue station chief Assistant Fire Superintendent Mahadir Mamat reported that a crane lifting coal collapsed during maintenance work at the jetty of the Tanjung Bin Complex on Saturday, killing two workers and injuring

Three-pronged approach to tackle youth violence KUALA LUMPUR: Alliance for A Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye has called for a fundamental national rethink to curb rising youth violence, proposing three key approaches centred on education reform, responsible digital citizenship and stronger parental involvement.

Lee said every student needs consistent, mandatory instruction on empathy, conflict resolution and emotional literacy to build resilience and respect. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

Lee also cautioned that while legislation and enforcement were necessary to manage technology-related risks, they could not replace the cultivation of strong moral foundations. “We urge the government and all stakeholders to act decisively to implement these comprehensive measures, ensuring a future for our children that is defined by connection, empathy and respect, not violence and digital isolation.” – Bernama

violence and desensitise young users. He said the third pillar focused on strengthening parental involvement through mandatory and accessible digital parenting programmes, adding that families play a crucial role in shaping behaviour. “The responsibility cannot solely fall on teachers. Parents must be present, model healthy values and foster real-world connections that digital platforms cannot replace,” he said.

Former manager loses RM240,000 in phone scam KLUANG: A former company manager suffered losses amounting to RM241,000 after falling victim to a phone scam syndicate that claimed he was involved in a money laundering case. lodged a police report on Saturday, stating that he had received a phone call from an unknown number on Nov 6. The caller introduced himself as an officer from the National Scam Response Centre, who allegedly said the victim’s phone number had been purportedly misused by an irresponsible Kluang district police chief Asst Comm Bahrin Mohd Noh said the 47-year-old victim

funds to seven different bank accounts. “After failing to recover the money and realising he had been deceived, the victim lodged a police report. The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code,” he added. – Bernama

party and was subsequently connected to the Terengganu police contingent headquarters. “The victim was told that an arrest warrant had been issued in his name and was instructed to transfer all his money to an account provided,” he said, adding that between Nov 18 and 27, the victim transferred

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Public toilets play key role in tourism image

Clean facilities shape visitor perceptions PETALING JAYA: Tourists may not remember every museum or monument they visit, but public toilets often leave a lasting impression and in Malaysia, that experience could influence perceptions ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026. Public toilet standards directly affect visitor comfort, health and mobility, particularly for families, elderly travellers and persons with disabilities, according to Universiti Utara Malaysia School of Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management senior lecturer Dr Mohamad Zaki Ahmad. “Their quality directly shapes the overall visitor experience,”he said. Despite improvements at premium locations, many public toilets nationwide continue to be viewed as unclean, outdated and poorly maintained. Hygiene standards vary widely at airports, transport hubs, shopping centres, national parks, highways, cultural attractions and rural tourism sites, he added. “A negative toilet experience could quickly overshadow positive memories of a destination, reducing visitor spending, shortening time spent at attractions and even generating damaging social media reviews,”he said. Mohamad Zaki pointed to countries such as Japan, South Korea and Singapore as examples of how toilet cleanliness has been incorporated into national branding. Japan’s approach, often described as toilet tourism, integrates aesthetic design, advanced technology and disciplined maintenance to turn facilities into attractions. South Korea enforces strict standards through its Public Toilet Act, while Singapore applies a star-rating system, conducts regular audits, trains staff and penalises non-compliance. “These international examples highlight four pillars of success – smart technology, a consistent maintenance culture, strong public-private governance and clear operating standards,” he added. “Malaysia faces gaps in all four areas, but with strategic planning, these solutions can be adapted.” To raise standards, Mohamad Zaki recommended measures, including standardised cleaning schedules and professional training for staff across councils, airports, rail stations and tourism sites, as well as the introduction of a national toilet rating system graded from A to C for transparency. He also proposed prioritising no-touch fixtures such as automatic taps, flushers and soap dispensers in high-traffic areas, installing multilingual signage in Bahasa Malaysia, English, Mandarin and Arabic, introducing QR-code feedback systems and providing incentives for councils that meet cleanliness benchmarks alongside stricter penalties for non-compliance. Mandatory accessible toilets in all new buildings were also among his recommendations. Beyond infrastructure, he also highlighted the role of behavioural nudges to improve user conduct. These include automated audio or visual reminders, floor markings, social-norm messaging, sensor-based prompts and gender-sensitive cues. “Such measures encourage proper toilet etiquette and reinforce cleanliness standards without constant human supervision,”he said. He added that public education campaigns in schools, travel hubs and the media could further embed a culture of hygiene and responsibility. According to Mohamad Zaki, upgrading public toilets would require modest capital investment, professional training, stricter vendor contracts, inter ministry coordination and consistent enforcement nationwide, alongside updates to building by-laws and long-term monitoring through annual audits. “Clean toilets represent more than hygiene. They reflect professionalism, service quality and hospitality. For Visit Malaysia 2026, they are a subtle yet powerful signal of the country’s readiness to welcome global visitors. In the era of experiential tourism, the condition of public toilets mirrors a nation’s overall standard of service and care.” – by Kirtinee Ramesh

o Hygiene, accessibility and sustainability central to first impression of country and global competitiveness, says expert

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Cleanliness, modern facilities and proper maintenance are no longer optional, but a key measure of Malaysia’s preparedness to welcome global visitors, according to Universiti Utara Malaysia School of Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management senior lecturer Dr Mohamad Zaki Ahmad. “Clean toilets represent more than hygiene. They reflect professionalism, service quality and hospitality. For VM2026, they act as a subtle yet powerful indicator of the country’s readiness to welcome the world,”he said. He added that well-maintained facilities also reflect societal values, governance capacity and cultural attitudes towards hygiene. Mohamad Zaki pointed to Singapore’s public toilet grading scheme as an example of how structured compliance and transparency could drive higher standards. “By combining operational benchmarks, routine inspections, visible ratings and incentives, the system ensures accountability among operators,” he said. He recommended a similar framework for Malaysia, adapted to local governance structures and involving municipal councils, the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry and the Health Ministry. Under such a national compliance rating system, public toilets would: PETALING JAYA: When tourists think of Malaysia, landmarks, cuisine and culture often come to mind. However, Universiti Teknologi Mara Selangor deputy rector Prof Dr Mohd Hafiz Hanafiah noted that first impressions frequently begin in an unexpected place – public toilets. As the country prepares to welcome visitors for Visit Malaysia 2026, the hotel and tourism management expert emphasised that clean, accessible and well-maintained public toilets are no longer a minor detail but a key factor in Malaysia’s tourism competitiveness. Mohd Hafiz highlighted that simple yet practical measures could significantly enhance the experiences of visitors. “Local authorities are upgrading public toilets, ensuring businesses comply with hygiene regulations, improving signage and walkways, maintaining cleanliness in public areas and using apps such as MyWC to resolve issues quickly,” he said. “These efforts collectively help visitors enjoy smoother and more reliable travel experiences across the country.” Sustainability also remains a priority. Proper wastewater management, upgraded facilities and initiatives such as the Tourism Outstanding Toilet and Hygiene Awards

Mohd Hafiz emphasised that clean and well-maintained public toilets are no longer a minor detail but a key factor in tourism appeal. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

practicality. It ensures high standards are maintained across all locations, from urban centres to rural tourist sites, without overburdening operators or government agencies,” he said. Under this approach, the government would set minimum standards, inspection schedules and grading criteria. Mohamad Zaki stressed that Malaysia should prioritise: 0 establishing a national public toilet excellence framework; 0 deploying smart toilets in high-traffic locations; 0 expanding Malaysia Standard 2015 into a comprehensive inspection and certification regime; 0 creating a dedicated maintenance fund for rural and nature-based attractions; 0 enacting legislation that empowers local councils to enforce sanitation standards; 0 strengthening coordination among tourism, health and local government authorities; 0 conducting annual audits by accredited organisations; and 0 promoting proper toilet etiquette through schools, media and travel hubs. “The condition of public toilets is often underestimated, yet it directly affects visitor satisfaction, destination image and public health,” he said. “Prioritising toilet sanitation is essential to delivering safe, high-quality and memorable experiences for visitors.” – by Kirtinee Ramesh “Public toilets matter more than many realise. A single bad experience could make tourists feel unsafe or uncomfortable, affecting their overall perception of the country,” he explained. Looking ahead to VM2026, Mohd Hafiz urged both locals and visitors to play a role in enhancing the travel experience. “Malaysians contribute by keeping public spaces clean and extending warm hospitality. Visitors can look forward to upgraded facilities, improved hygiene standards and enhanced tourism sites. Together, we can create responsible, meaningful and memorable experiences,” he said. He added that Visit Malaysia 2026 represents a journey towards a cleaner, more sustainable and welcoming country, where hosts and guests alike contribute to a world-class tourism experience.

0 establish clear and standardised expectations for cleanliness, accessibility and maintenance; 0 improve transparency through publicly displayed grades that allow visitors to assess quality at a glance; 0 shift enforcement from reactive complaint based action to proactive monitoring; 0 encourage pride and healthy competition in maintaining cleanliness; 0 strengthen tourism branding by signalling safety, hygiene and respect for visitors; and 0 support public health by reducing the risk of disease transmission. Mohamad Zaki also highlighted smart toilet technology as another avenue for modernisation. Features such as automated cleaning, occupancy sensors, touchless fixtures and real-time monitoring are well suited for large shopping centres, highway rest stops, high-traffic attractions, airports and transport hubs. “The benefits include improved hygiene, enhanced user comfort, operational efficiency through water and energy savings and better accessibility for families, elderly visitors and persons with disabilities. While initial costs can be high, the long-term gains in safety, sustainability and visitor satisfaction make smart toilets a worthwhile investment,” he said. To ensure consistent standards nationwide, he proposed a hybrid framework that combines government oversight with operator-led maintenance. “A hybrid model balances accountability with encourage responsible behaviour among tourists, businesses and local communities. “Better toilets mean cleaner destinations, happier visitors and more sustainable tourism nationwide,” he said. He added that Malaysia could further distinguish itself globally by combining cleanliness with accessibility and innovation. “Family-friendly and barrier-free facilities, smart tools such as real-time monitoring and digital rating systems help build trust with visitors while promoting sustainable practices. “This approach strengthens Malaysia’s image as a green and responsible travel destination,” he added. Despite progress at shopping centres and highway rest stops, challenges persist. Some public toilets continue to have unpleasant odours, wet floors and a lack of basic necessities such as soap and tissue paper.

Hygiene standards seen as benchmark for national readiness PETALING JAYA: With Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) approaching, experts are drawing attention to a seemingly modest but critical element of tourism readiness – public toilets.

MONDAY | DEC 15, 2025

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Thai-Cambodia clashes enter second week

Hong Kong party votes to disband HONG KONG: The city’s oldest pro democracy party has formally decided to disband, its leader announced yesterday, following its annual meeting. “We have officially announced the disbandment and dismissal,” the Democratic Party’s leader Lo Kin-hei told a news conference. “This process has been completed.” The city’s last major opposition party held the final vote on whether to disband, as China ratchets up pressure on the city’s remaining liberal voices in a years-long national security crackdown. The Democratic Party, founded three years before Hong Kong’s return to Chinese rule from Britain in 1997, had been the city’s flagship opposition. It used to sweep city wide legislative elections and push Beijing on democratic reforms and upholding freedoms. Senior party members say they had been approached by Chinese officials and warned to disband or face severe consequences. A committee had spent half a year making arrangements for the disbandment, including resolving legal and accounting matters, and preparing the sale of a property in the Kowloon district that now serves as its headquarters. – Reuters/AFP NEW DELHI: India tightened anti pollution measures in Delhi and nearby areas after the capital’s air quality deteriorated to the season’s worst. The Commission for Air Quality Management invoked stage four, the highest level, of the Graded Response Action Plan for Delhi and surrounding areas on Saturday evening, according to an advisory by the Environment Ministry. Delhi’s air quality was “severe” yesterday with official index readings over 450 across several monitoring stations, up from 430 on Saturday and the highest so far this winter season, Central Pollution Control Board data showed. Readings below 50 are “good”. The curbs ban the entry of older diesel trucks, suspend construction, including on public projects, and impose hybrid schooling. – Reuters SRI LANKA TO PUSH THROUGH AID COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s parliament will interrupt its recess to fast track financial aid needed for rebuilding after Cyclone Ditwah , which killed nearly 650 people. Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne issued a notice for an urgent meeting of the legislature, which had gone into recess and was not scheduled to meet again until Jan 6. “I have summoned the parliament to meet on Thursday,” the Speaker said in a gazette notification. Finance Ministry officials said the meeting was being held to approve next year’s expenditure for cyclone recovery. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake had said last week the nation would need at least US$1.66 billion (RM6.8 billion) in 2026 in addition to the US$166 million he said the government would spend this year to rebuild and recover. – AFP INDIA TIGHTENS POLLUTION CURBS

BR I E F S

o No ceasefire deal made, says Bangkok

But the controversy that exploded across social media has only sparked renewed interest in Bao Ninh’s haunting classic and forced bookstores to scramble to keep pace with surging demand. “I only knew about this novel because of these online discussions,” said Le Hien, 25, who tried to buy the book at several bookstores in Hanoi but found they were all out of stock. “I was surprised the book was sold out,”he said. First published in 1987 as The Destiny of Love , the novel is narrated by a young North Vietnamese soldier who, like Ninh himself, served in a battalion that was almost entirely wiped out. He is stalked by memories of the “jungle of screaming souls” and tortured by thoughts of his girlfriend’s rape by fellow North Vietnamese men. The book was met with instant acclaim abroad and controversy at home, where most war literature emphasised valour and sacrifice over cruelty and suffering. The novel’s inclusion in the 50-best list in late November touched off another round of recrimination even as it flew off shelves. BANTEAY MEANCHEY: Renewed border clashes between Cambodia and Thailand entered a second week yesterday after Bangkok denied US President Donald Trump’s claim that a truce had been agreed to halt the fighting. The conflict, rooted in a colonial-era demarcation dispute along their 800km border, has displaced around 800,000 people, officials said. “I have been here for six days and I feel sad that the fighting continues,” 63-year-old Sean Leap said at an evacuation centre in Cambodia’s border province of Banteay Meanchey yesterday. “I want it to stop,” he said, adding he was worried about his home and livestock. At least 25 people have been killed, including 14 Thai soldiers and 11 Cambodian civilians, officials said. Each side blames the other for instigating the clashes, claiming self-defence and trading accusations of attacks on civilians. Trump, who earlier backed a truce and follow on agreement, said on Friday the Southeast Asian neighbours had agreed to halt fighting. But Thai leaders later said no ceasefire deal was made, and both governments said yesterday clashes were ongoing. Thai Defence Ministry spokesman Surasant Kongsiri said Cambodia shelled and bombed several border provinces on Saturday night and yesterday. Cambodia’s Defence Ministry spokeswoman Maly Socheata said Thailand continued to fire mortars and bombs into border areas since midnight. After Trump’s promised truce did not come to pass, Cambodia shut its border crossings with Thailand on Saturday, leaving migrant workers stranded. Under a makeshift tent at an evacuation site in Cambodia’s Banteay Meanchey, Cheav Sokun said her husband in Thailand wanted to return home. She and her son left Thailand alongside tens of thousands of other Cambodian migrant workers

A Cambodian girl running between supplies at Wat Por Sovannaram refugee camp in Ou Chrov, Banteay Meanchey Province, Cambodia. – REUTERSPIC

and Trat provinces. The United States, China and Malaysia, as the Asean chair, brokered a ceasefire in July. In October, Trump backed a follow-on joint declaration between Thailand and Cambodia, touting new trade deals after they agreed to prolong their truce. But Thailand suspended the agreement the following month after Thai soldiers were wounded by landmines at the border. Trump last week pledged he would “make a couple of phone calls” to get the earlier brokered truce back on track. But Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told journalists on Saturday that Trump “didn’t mention whether we should make a ceasefire” during their Friday phone call. Anutin said there were “no signs” Trump would connect further US-Thailand trade talks with the border conflict, but also said the US president had guaranteed Thailand would get “better benefits than other countries”. – AFP Tuan’s post calling for the honour to be revoked received thousands of likes and ricocheted across social media, garnering support especially from war veterans. But many others defended the decision to honour the book. “If we demand that a novel function like a battle report, we are forcing literature to perform the work of another profession,” said literary critic Ha Thanh Van. The Sorrow of War continues to move readers nearly 40 years after its publication because it “delves into the dark corners of memory, where war continues to exist as haunting memories, traumas, lingering regrets”, she said. But while the debate has opened up old societal rifts, it has also propelled the book to new heights of visibility, especially among young readers. Nguyen Hai Dang, an editor at Tre Publishing House which has a lifetime agreement with Ninh, was quoted in state media as saying the controversy had prompted a flurry of orders, causing the central warehouse to fall behind. Dang said a planned reprinting was already underway, however, and that the publisher had run off 15,000 copies so far this year. It has printed about 80,000 copies since its agreement began in 2011. – AFP

during July’s deadly clashes, but her spouse stayed to work as a gardener. “He asked me to return first. After that, the border was closed so he cannot come back,” the 38-year-old said. “I worry about him, but I tell him not to go around ... We are afraid that if they know that we are Cambodians, they would attack us,” she said. Across the border in Thailand’s Surin province, music teacher Watthanachai Kamngam, 38, said he watched several rockets trail across the dark, early morning sky yesterday before hearing explosions in the distance. Watthanachai has been painting colourful scenes of tanks, Thai flags and soldiers carrying the wounded on the walls of concrete bunkers since the July clashes which killed dozens. “As I live through the fighting, I just want to record this moment – to show that this is really our reality,” he said last week. Amid the fighting, the Thai military has imposed an overnight curfew in parts of Sa Kaeo

Sorrow of Wa r sells out after viral controversy HANOI: When The Sorrow of War was honoured by Vietnam’s government as one of the 50 greatest works of literature and art since reunification, some conservative figures reacted with fury – suggesting the novel’s unvarnished depictions of the war diminished the victors’ heroism.

Copies on display at a Hanoi bookstore. – AFPPIC

“This book has been debated for ages,” said Nguyen, a bookseller on Hanoi’s Nguyen Xi book street, who gave only his first name for fear of inviting backlash against his store. “It has always sold steadily. It has never sold out like it did this time, though.” Nguyen Thanh Tuan, a former head of the military’s propaganda department, wrote on Facebook earlier this month that the novel “aimed to diminish the heroism of our army ... fabricating and distorting the truth of the heroic struggle and immense sacrifices of millions of people”.